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From Theory to Practice: Institutional Insights into Inclusionary Zoning

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Hariz Azlan

    (Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, University Technology Malaysia)

  • Ainur Zaireen Zainudin

    (Centre for Real Estate Studies, University Technology Malaysia)

  • Fatin Afiqah Md Azmi

    (Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, University Technology Malaysia)

  • Nur Berahim

    (Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, University Technology Malaysia)

  • Salfarina Samsudin

    (Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, University Technology Malaysia)

  • Azizah Ismail

    (Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, University Technology Malaysia)

  • Rohaya Abdul Jalil

    (Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, University Technology Malaysia)

  • Yong Adilah Shamsul Harumain

    (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, University Malaya)

Abstract

Inclusionary zoning (IZ) links development approvals to affordable housing requirements and is an increasingly utilized policy tool globally. This literature review examines opportunities and prerequisites for implementing IZ in Malaysia’s urban housing context through an institutional analysis lens. The paper’s methodology involves a qualitative synthesis of academic scholarship from planning, policy, economics and law to develop a conceptual framework grounded in theory and comparative evidence. Analysis focuses on aligning IZ policy options with Malaysia’s multi-tiered governance environment which poses particular challenges but allows localized piloting. After reviewing the theoretical underpinnings, global cases and core policy design considerations, an incremental approach is recommended beginning with voluntary incentives. This builds experience to progress eventually to broader mandatory inclusion aligned with institutional capacities. IZ is situated within a broader affordable housing strategy given limitation as a stand-alone panacea. Tailored, modest initiatives can expand access without overburdening still-developing administrative systems. The review elucidates pragmatic steps to unlock IZ benefits in Malaysia through contexts-specific programs that judiciously harness market forces while adapting to institutional realities. The synthesized perspective informs policy-making and suggests future research directions to deepen understanding of implementing inclusionary models in Asian developing country contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Hariz Azlan & Ainur Zaireen Zainudin & Fatin Afiqah Md Azmi & Nur Berahim & Salfarina Samsudin & Azizah Ismail & Rohaya Abdul Jalil & Yong Adilah Shamsul Harumain, 2025. "From Theory to Practice: Institutional Insights into Inclusionary Zoning," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(5), pages 4280-4287, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-5:p:4280-4287
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ya Wang & Alan Murie, 2011. "The New Affordable and Social Housing Provision System in China: Implications for Comparative Housing Studies," International Journal of Housing Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(3), pages 237-254.
    2. Sana Malik & Ruhizal Roosli & Fariha Tariq & Nor’aini Yusof, 2020. "Policy Framework and Institutional Arrangements: Case of Affordable Housing Delivery for Low-Income Groups in Punjab, Pakistan," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(2), pages 243-268, March.
    3. repec:eme:ijhma0:ijhma-11-2018-0090 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri & Razali Haron, 2019. "A comparative analysis of financial affordability in Islamic home financing instrumentsin Malaysia," International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 12(6), pages 1093-1112, May.
    5. Gan, Quan & Hill, Robert J., 2009. "Measuring housing affordability: Looking beyond the median," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 115-125, June.
    6. Anthony Gar-On Yeh & Zifeng Chen, 2020. "From cities to super mega city regions in China in a new wave of urbanisation and economic transition: Issues and challenges," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 57(3), pages 636-654, February.
    7. Jenny Schuetz & Rachel Meltzer & Vicki Been, 2011. "Silver Bullet or Trojan Horse? The Effects of Inclusionary Zoning on Local Housing Markets in the United States," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 48(2), pages 297-329, February.
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